Peel Ports addresses major container shipping conference

Delegates at TOC Americas in Panama this week have heard how Peel Ports’ new terminal Liverpool2 provides a case study in addressing pressures facing the container sector.

The conference, which is being held as work to expand the Panama Canal nears its final phase, attracts leading figures from shipping and ports around the world.

In a session titled “Big Ships, Port Productivity and Congestion - Moving the Needle”, Peel Ports’ South America territory director Andreas Meyer set out the key challenge of bottlenecks in hinterland connectivity.

He said:

“Inefficient landside connections outweigh efficient sea-legs, so ports must be an integral part of a broader, effective supply chain. Liverpool2, supported by transport and logistics connections, can reduce costs, carbon and congestion. This creates a win-win-win for shipping lines, ports and cargo owners.

Liverpool is where the difference counts, because it offers the right location to reach the heart of the UK, a focus on providing a reliable, predictable operation, and the scope to reduce costs by shortening the supply chain."

Gary Hodgson, Chief Operating Officer, also said: “At first glance, Liverpool and Panama might not have a lot in common. But as well as both being locations for major investment in shipping infrastructure, the developments are in response to similar lock gate restrictions. So, at the same time as the canal expansion is opening up exciting new trade channels for post-Panamax vessels, we are creating the opportunity for equally large container ships to get closer to UK businesses via Liverpool2.”

Peel Ports is the global port partner for TOC Worldwide events.

Pictured is Peel Ports Andreas Meyer being interviewed by a local journalist at TOC Americas 15